Tempo, dynamics and articulation

Most musical terms are Italian.

Tempo (speed)

Tempo is often measured in BPM, beats per minute.

• Adagio: slow
• Allegro: fast and lively
• Ritardando (rit.): gradually slower
• Accelerando: gradually faster

Dynamics (volume)

• Piano (p): soft
• Forte (f): loud
• Crescendo: gradually louder
• Diminuendo: gradually softer

Articulation (how notes connect)

• Legato: smooth and connected
• Staccato: short and detached

Fermata

A fermata (pause sign) tells you to hold a note or rest longer than written.